Blog

So you've got to grips with grade 1's, and now you're keen to start tackling some harder grade scrambles. But what kit do you take? Harness, helmet, rope, etc these are all quite simple decisions, but deciding what rack to take can seem a bit overwhelming and confusing. So to help you decide we've put together this article on what would make a good rack for grade 2 and 3 scrambles.

Thinking of buying some new winter boots? This article is aimed at those buying their first pair of winter boots, but hopefully seasoned winter warriors may still pick up a handy hint or two.

Navigating the path to buying the right winter boot can be bewildering- single or double boots, plastics, B ratings, crampon compatibility? There’s a lot of choice out there, and some pitfalls that are best avoided, so to help you find the right pair for you and your adventures I’ve compiled my top ten tips for buying winter boots.

For the past 5 days I have been running a Private Course for Trace over on the West Coast. Trace was keen to develop her skills in both mountaineering and climbing so she can take advantage of what Scotland has to offer in winter along with getting some extra training in for her upcoming trip to Peru. On day 1 we made the most of the good weather and climbed School House Ridge, day two was a windy and wild one so we took shelter in Stob Coire Nan Lochan and looked at snowcraft skills. Day 3 saw us heading back up into Stob Corie Nan Lochan where we looked at winter lead climbing skills on Dorsal Arete. Day 4 was forecast to be good a good one so we made the most of it and headed up the Ben and climbed Number 2 Gully Buttress. With a thaw forecast to set in around mid morning for Trace's final day we made an early start and headed up the Ben again in the hope of getting a quick route in before things got too soggy. As we got to the CIC hut it became apparent that the thaw had set in early, lots of fresh avalanche debris about, so it was onto Plan B. We then spent the rest of the day looking at various skills (snowpack analysis, crevasse rescue, emergency shelters & snow anchors) in preparation for Trace's trip to Peru. All in all its been a mixed week weather and conditions wise but Trace's done great and I hope she has a brilliant trip to Peru later this year.

Onwards & Upwards specialise in providing instruction, guiding and coaching
in climbing, mountaineering and walking. We tailor every course to your own
specific needs and aspirations whether that be your first steps in the
mountains, climbing your first trad route or tackling your first ice climb.

Summit Ascent

Summit Ascent specialise in providing instruction, guiding and coaching in climbing, mountaineering and walking. We tailor every course to your own specific needs and aspirations whether that be your first steps in the mountains, climbing your first trad route or tackling your first ice climb.

Final day of this weeks winter climbing course @glenmorelodge. The guys were keen for some more mixed action, and Duncan was keen to lead an easier pitch. 'Opening Break" fitted the bill, and was in good nick, and Duncan led the final pitch up onto the plateau.
#scotwinter #winterclimbing @ami_professionals

In working for @glenmorelodge this week on a Winter Climbing Course. Today we headed to Lurchers in the hope of finding some ice that had survived Mondays thaw- managed to get two pitches of ice out of Perception Gully, but it was lean! Still good fun though, with absorbing climbing at times requiring a delicate approach.
#scotwinter #winterclimbing @ami_professionals

In working for @glenmorelodge this week on a Winter Climbing Course. Stellar weather on the hill, and some mixed mileage for the guys today - Ewen Buttress and Ventilator in Lochain.
#scotwinter #winterclimbing @ami_professionals

In working for @glenmorelodge this week on an Intro to Winter Climbing course. 📷 Duncan enjoying the mixed ground on the Direct finish to Spiral Gully today. Looking like it'll be stellar on the hill tomorrow ☀️ #scotwinter #winterclimbing @ami_professionals